There are many misconceptions about what it takes to be a great employee. Some people believe that you have to be the best at everything, while others think that being friendly and personable is the key to success. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, there are a few misconceptions about the best employees that are worth debunking.

Myth #1: The Best Employees Are the Ones Who Excel at Everything

This may be true in some cases, but it’s not always the case. In fact, most great employees are good at a few things and not so great at others. The key is to find someone passionate about their work and willing to put in the extra effort to be successful.

Many top performers didn’t start off as experts in their field. They became great employees by learning and developing new skills over time, going the extra mile, having the commitment to work with the company in the long haul, and having an unwavering dedication to their job role and the company culture.

So, if you’re looking for a superstar employee, don’t be afraid to give someone a chance even if they don’t have all the perfect qualifications.

 

Myth #2: The Best Employees Are the Ones Who are Friendly and Personable

Being personable is definitely important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. In order to be a great employee, one needs to be able to do their job well and meet deadlines. If they’re constantly taking long breaks or coming in late, their friendly personality won’t make up for it.

It’s important to find someone who is friendly and personable, but also someone reliable, productive and can get the job done.

 

Myth #3: The Best Employees are the Ones Who Have a Perfect Attendance Record

While having a perfect attendance record is definitely admirable, it’s not necessary to consider someone as a good employee. Missing a day or two of work doesn’t mean that the employee is slacking off already. There are many legitimate reasons why someone may not be able to come into work, such as illness, family emergencies, or car trouble.

In fact, most great employees have had at least one instance where they had to miss work for a valid reason. The key is to be understanding and forgiving when an employee has an off day.

In fact, some of the best employees are the ones who know when to take time off and recharge their batteries. They’re not afraid to take a day off when they need it and come back fresh and energized.

 

Myth #4: The Best Employees are the Ones Who Stay at the Company for the Long Haul

While it’s definitely important for an employee to be loyal to their company, this doesn’t mean that they have to stay with the company for the long haul. The key is to find someone who is willing to commit themselves to the job and be productive while they’re there. If an employee is only with the company for a short period of time, that doesn’t mean that they’re not a good employee.

Most exemplary workers are always on the lookout for a better opportunity, but they will continue to work hard at their current job until they find something that’s a better fit for them. They’re not afraid to leave if they don’t feel the recognition or appreciation that they deserve. Therefore, if you want to keep your engaged employees happy and satisfied with their jobs, ensure that you’re providing them with the right tools and resources to stay motivated and productive.

 

Myth #5: The Best Employees are the Ones Who have a Perfect Résumé

While it’s definitely important for an employee to have a great résumé, this doesn’t mean that they’re automatically a great employee. In fact, some of the best employees are the ones who have taken some time off to do volunteer work or travel.

This means that they’ve gained new skills and experiences that can be beneficial to the company. They’re also more well-rounded individuals who can work well with others.

Therefore, don’t be afraid to give someone a chance even if their résumé isn’t perfect. Chances are, they’ll be more than willing to learn and develop new skills that will benefit the company in the long run as compared to someone who has a perfect résumé but may not be the best fit for the job or your workplace culture.

 

Myth #6: The Best Employees are the Ones Who Follow Company Policies

While it’s important for employees to follow company policies, this doesn’t mean that they can’t have their own opinions and voice them respectfully. The truth is, some of the best employees are the ones who know when to push back and offer suggestions.

They’re not afraid to speak up when they think there’s a better way of doing things, and they’re always looking for ways to increase productivity and improve the company. They also understand that policies are put in place for a reason, and they’re willing to comply with them unless they have new ideas for improving things or feel that there’s a better solution.

 

Myth #7: The Best Employees are Those with the Highest Salary

While it’s important to pay your employees what they’re worth, this doesn’t mean that the best employees are always the ones with the highest pay grade. Money is not the only motivation to stay with their current employer to the best employees. They’re more interested in finding a job that’s fulfilling and challenging, where they can learn and grow. The best and highly-engaged employees are the ones who are passionate about their job and aren’t afraid to go above and beyond to fulfill the company’s purpose and, ultimately, serve their customers.

Furthermore, an ideal employee is a person who’s always looking for ways to improve their skills so that they can be a valuable asset to the business. They recognize that they’re not in it just for a quick payout or an instant promotion; instead, they invest in the company’s future, they have high job satisfaction, and they enjoy companies endowed with a good culture that promotes employee engagement, positive relationships, and a good sense of direction.

 

Myth #8: The Best Employees are the Ones Who Work Overtime

While it’s important for employees to put in extra hours when necessary, this doesn’t mean that the best employees are always the ones who work overtime. The relationship between working hours and productivity is not as straightforward as you might think. Not just because a manager is doing regular overtime means that they work harder than anyone else in the organization.

Employees who work eight hours a day may be just as productive as those who work more. It is in the quality of their output and how their work benefits and adds value to your company.

When you assess your workforce, make sure the criteria are focused on the quality of their output rather than the number of hours they spend at their desk.

 

Myth #9: Employee Recognition Programs Don’t Work

One of the most common misconceptions about employee recognition programs is that they don’t work. The truth is, when implemented correctly, employee recognition programs can increase employee happiness, achieve high employee engagement, and foster teamwork.

According to a survey done by Achievers, there is a direct correlation between recognition and employee retention. Based on the survey, 55% of workers leave their current employers because of a lack of recognition.

Employee recognition programs are a great way to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Organizations with HR teams that create programs that celebrate managers’ milestones and accomplishments can see a significant increase in productivity, profitability, and innovation.

 

Myth #10: The Best Employees Are Those Who Never Say No

Most people are afraid to say no because they don’t want to seem uncooperative or difficult. However, the best employees are not afraid to say no when they understand that the quality of work will be compromised as a result.

They know their limits, and they’re not afraid to speak up when they need more time to complete a task or when they feel that something is not right. They also have no problem saying no to requests that are unreasonable or impossible to meet because they understand the cost of not meeting deadlines and delivering subpar performance. They are not only hardworking, but they’re also reliable and trustworthy. They know how to set boundaries and manage their time so that they can deliver quality work on time.

Wrapping Up

Employees are the lifeblood of any organization, and it’s important to take the time to get to know them. By understanding their goals, motivations, and misconceptions about work, you can create a productive and satisfying workplace for everyone.

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common myths about the best employees, it’s time to put these tips into action and create a workforce that is second to none.

Author Bio:
With his knowledge of marketing and business strategy, love for staying ahead of the curve, and ability to execute effective marketing solutions, Andrew Maffetone created BlueTuskr, a team of specialized experts dedicated to the growth and success of e-commerce sellers.